Deck structure

ABSTRACT

A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 09/813,612, filed Mar. 21, 2001.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a flooring system which isespecially directed to outdoor types of decks which are subject to theelements.

[0004] It is believed that there is no single deck system in existencewhich has all the features of the present deck structure as enumeratedhereafter.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is one object of the present invention to provide a flooringsystem, especially for outdoor use, which will not warp, twist or besubject to insect attack and which does not require any maintenance.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flooringsystem which is easily installed because the tiles of the deck structurefit between adjacent joists and are either attached thereto by fastenersor simply snap into place without requiring measuring or cutting andwhich totally finish the deck without the need for trim or flashing.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide aflooring system which inherently includes spacings between tiles whichnot only allow for expansion and contraction but also provides for waterdrainage, thereby eliminating puddles.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aflooring system which not only can be installed without use of exposedfasteners but also preserves wooden floor joists by preventing waterfrom laying on the top of the joist which could produce rot.

[0009] A still further object of the present invention is to provide aflooring system consisting only of four major components which are ofrelatively small dimensions so that the system can easily be transportedin relatively small packages, thereby enhancing the ease and economy oftransporting it from the manufacturer to the ultimate consumer.

[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to provide aflooring system which utilizes modular tiles which can easily bereplaced if they are damaged.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aflooring system consisting of improved plastic tiles which can besecured to underlying joists by fasteners in an extremely simple mannerwith or without utilizing channels which overlie the joists. Otherobjects and attendant advantages of the present invention will readilybe perceived hereafter.

[0012] The present invention relates to a resin tile comprising a platehaving an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of innerflanges extending downwardly from said plate, a plurality of outerflanges extending downwardly from said plate outwardly of said innerflanges, and said outer flanges being of less height than said innerflanges.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a plastic tile as set forthabove which can be secured to underlying joists by fasteners extendingthrough the outer edge portions thereof.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a tile assembly including aplurality of tiles as set forth above mounted between adjacent joistswith said inner flanges positioned alongside the sides of said joistsand said outer flanges resting on the edges of said joists.

[0015] The present invention will be more fully understood when thefollowing portions of the specification are read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0016]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view, partially in cross section,showing the improved floor tile system installed as a deck on joistswhich extend outwardly from a structure such as a house;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a molded plastic inner tile whichis located within the edge tiles secured to the joists;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of an outer edge tile which is to besecured along the outer edges of the deck;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of inner channels which are tobe mounted on the inner joists of a deck with the inner channels inend-to-end relationship;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of edge channels which are to bemounted on the edge joists of a deck with the edge channels inend-to-end relationship;

[0021]FIG. 5A is an elevational view of an edge channel takensubstantially in the direction of arrows 5A-5A of FIG. 5 and showing theedge channel mounted on a fragmentary representation of a joist;

[0022]FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of an inner channel takensubstantially in the direction of arrows 6-6 of FIG. 4 with said channelmounted on a fragmentary representation of a joist;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken in thedirection of arrows 7-7 of FIG. 6 and showing the structure of the pinswhich extend outwardly from the leg of the channel;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 8-8 of FIG. 1 and showing the edge tiles and inner tilesmounted on the inner and edge channels, respectively, mounted on thejoists;

[0025]FIG. 8A is a fragmentary enlarged section of a side member of atile showing the slot structure for receiving the pins of the channels;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and showing the edge channels which are mountedon the edge joist;

[0027]FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view showing apost mounted on the deck and secured to a joist;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view partially broken away of analternate type of inner channel;

[0029]FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the inner channel of FIG. 11secured to a fragmentary representation of an inner joist;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate type of edgechannel;

[0031]FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the edge channel of FIG. 13mounted on a fragmentary representation of an edge joist;

[0032]FIG. 15 is a view of the upper surface of a tile having a specifictype of nonskid configuration;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a view of the upper surface of a tile having stillanother type of configuration;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tile showing especially theupper surface which is convex from its midpoint;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a moldedplastic inner tile which has provisions for being nailed to the joists;

[0036]FIG. 19 is an inverted cross sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

[0037]FIG. 20 is an inverted cross sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 20-20 of FIG. 18;

[0038]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the underside of an edge tilewhich is to be secured along the outer edges of a deck;

[0039]FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line22-22 of FIG. 21;

[0040]FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line23-23 of FIG. 21;

[0041]FIG. 24 is a fragmentary perspective view of the corner of a tilewhich has been fastened to an underlying joist;

[0042]FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 25-25 of FIG. 24; and

[0043]FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the tile of FIG. 18 with a differenthole placement for receiving screws or nails.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The deck structure 10 of the present invention includes aplurality of resin inner tiles 11 which are secured to inner channels 12mounted on joists 13 which extend between a structure, such as house 14and facia joist 15. A first series of resin edge tiles 17 are mountedbetween a plurality of end-to-end inner channels 12 mounted on an innerjoist 13 and a plurality of end-to-end edge channels 19 which aremounted on edge joist 20. A second series of resin edge tiles 17 aremounted between ends of inner channels 12 and a plurality of end-to-endedge channels 19 mounted on facia joist 15.

[0045] The inner channels 12 (FIGS. 4, 6 and 7) are each fabricated ofmolded resin having a web 21 and legs 22. Pins 23 are molded integrallywith legs 22, and a support rib or gusset 24 is molded integrally witheach of the pins 23 and the portion of adjacent leg 22. As can be seenfrom FIGS. 4 and 6, the pins 23 extend outwardly from both legs 22. Theedge channel 19 is also fabricated of molded resin, and it consists of aweb 25 with depending legs 27. Edge channel 19 includes spaced pins 29which extend outwardly from only one leg 27 thereof. A support rib orgusset 30, which is molded integrally with each pin 29 and leg 27, islocated below each pin 29. Each rib 30 has the same configuration as rib24 of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0046] Channels 12 and 19 are secured to joists 13 and 20 by nails orscrews which pass through the webs 21 and 25 at appropriate intervals,such as every foot, and are received in the respective joists. As willbecome apparent hereafter, the nails or screws are the only metalfasteners which are used in the floor system and they are not exposedbecause they are hidden by the tiles 11 and 17 which are mounted on thechannels. Also, since the channels 12 and 19 are essentially caps forthe wooden joists, they tend to preserve them by preventing water fromlaying on the tops of the joists which causes rot. The use of resin forthe tiles and channels provides a flooring system that does not requiremaintenance, will not warp and is not subject to insect attack.

[0047] The inner tiles 11 (FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9) each include a plate 31having an upper surface 32 and a lower surface 33. Upper surface 32 isformed with a suitable tread to tend to prevent people slipping thereon.A plurality of identical inner side members or inner flanges 34 aremolded integrally with and extend downwardly from lower surface 33 ofplate 31 (FIGS. 2, 8 and 9). Central ribs 35 (FIGS. 2, 8 and 9) extendbetween opposite pairs of inner side members 34. Additionally, centralportions of ribs 35 are located in a crossover pattern (FIG. 2) and aremolded to each other at intersections 37 in addition to being moldedintegrally at their outer ends with side members 34 at 39. The upperedges of ribs 35 are molded integrally with the lower surface 33 ofplate 31. Thus, ribs 35 rigidize both upper plate 31 and side members34.

[0048] Outer side members or outer flanges 40 (FIGS. 2 and 9) extenddownwardly from plate 31 at the outer edges thereof and are moldedintegrally therewith. They are also molded integrally with each other attheir adjacent ends 42. Ribs 41 are molded integrally with the lowersurface 33 of plate 31 and they are molded integrally with and extendbetween outer side members 40 and side members 34 to thereby rigidizethem. As can be seen from FIG. 9, inner flanges 34 have a greatervertical height than outer flanges 40, and outer side members 40 rest onthe tops of channels 12 when tiles 11 are in their installed position.

[0049] The inner tiles 11 are installed in the following manner. It ismerely necessary to align slots 43 in side members 34 with pins 23 whichextend outwardly from inner channels 12. Thereafter, it is onlynecessary to bear downwardly on the edges of the tile until the pins 23enter slots 43 (FIG. 8A) and come to rest in the ends 44 of slots 43.The neck 45 of each slot 43 is slightly smaller than the diameter of thepins 23 which it receives. Therefore, the edges of slot portion 45 willdeflect slightly as each pin 23 enters slot portion 44, and thereafterthey will snap back into their unstressed position to therebyessentially lock side members 34 against moving upwardly out ofengagement with pins 23. Thus, it can readily be seen that tools are notrequired to assemble tiles 11 onto channels 12. When the tiles 11 arefully installed, they will be firmly supported on joists 13 because ofthe above locking of pins 23 in slots 34 and further because outer sidemembers 40 rest on channels 12. The pin and slot connections 23, 43 aremerely to properly locate the tile 11 relative to the channels 12 andretain the tiles in position; the loading on the tiles is borne by theouter flanges 40 bearing on the channels 12. It will be appreciated thatother structure can be substituted for the pin and slot 23, 43connections, such as protrusions and dimples. If it becomes necessary toremove a tile for replacement, it is merely necessary to force itupwardly so that the pins 23 will be released from slots 43.

[0050] It is also to be noted from FIG. 4 that end pins 23 of eachinstalled adjacent channel 12 are spaced apart the same distance M asthe pairs of the closest pins 23 on the central portion of channel 12.Therefore, an assembly of a plurality of channels 12 in end-to-endrelationship will be the equivalent of a single elongated channel.According to the geometry and dimensions of the channels 12 and tiles11, as expressed in the table set forth hereafter, the spaces 47(FIG. 1) between adjacent tiles will be approximately ⅛″ which in turnpermits drainage from the surfaces of the tiles into the spaces 47 (FIG.9) between the adjacent tiles 11. The drainage is enhanced by the factthat the upper surface 32 of each tile plate 31 is slightly convexdownwardly from its midpoint.

[0051] Edge tiles 17 have the same outer dimensions and the samestructure as inner tiles 11 except that their rib structure is slightlydifferent. Therefore, where the same numerals are applied to edge tiles17 which are applied to inner tiles 11, they will denote identicalelements of structure, thereby obviating the necessity to describe theedge tiles in detail. The slightly different edge tile structureincludes ribs 41′ (FIG. 3) which are longer than ribs 41 between outerpositioning members 40 and side members 34 (FIGS. 3 and 8). Thisdimensioning permits the positioning members 40 on the outer edges ofthe deck to lie only slightly inwardly of the leg 27 of channel 19(FIGS. 8 and 10), thereby eliminating the necessity for trim at theouter edges of tiles 17. It can thus be seen that ribs 41′ at the leftand lower portions of FIG. 3 are longer than ribs 41. However, in orderto maintain the dimensions D of the corner openings 47, ribs 35″ havebeen moved closer to their adjacent parallel ribs 35′ than the spacingbetween ribs 35′ themselves which is identical to the spacing betweenribs 35 of inner tile 11. Other than the foregoing, the edge tiles 17are identical to inner tiles 11. The edge tiles 17 are locked inposition in substantially the same manner as described above relative toinner tiles 11, namely, by pins 23 and 29 being locked into slots 43 andby outer side members 40 resting on channels 12 and 20.

[0052] Because of the outer dimensions of tiles 17 and the fact that theslots 43 in sides 34 are positioned identically to those described aboverelative to inner tile 11, the horizontal spaces 47 between edge tiles17 in FIG. 1 will be the same as horizontal spaces 47 between the innertiles 11. There will also be vertical spaces 49 (FIGS. 1 and 8) betweenthe tiles in order to permit drainage from the convex top surfaces 31 ofthe tile plates 11 and 17 (FIG. 8). This drainage will be onto the topsof channels 12, and this drainage will either leak out along the sidesof channels 12 or move to the intersections of spaces 47 and 49 andthereafter pass downwardly along the sides of channels 12. The spaces 47and 49 will be approximately ⅛ inch. This spacing allows for expansionfor the tiles 11 and 17 due to temperature changes. Also, if the tilescontract, they will still be supported by the outer side members 40which rest on the channels. The above geometry is capable of achievementbecause of the dimensions set forth in the following representativetable. However, it will be appreciated that other dimensions can beutilized to obtain comparable results. ITEM DIMENSION IN INCHES A 16 B15 ¼ C 15 ⅞ D  4 E  2 {fraction (7/16)} F 11 G  1 ½ H  {fraction(15/16)} I  1 ¾ J 48 K  2 ½ L 11 M  5 N  1 ½

[0053] It can be seen that because of the above described structure,there are only four parts required to construct a deck once the innerjoists 13 and outer joists 15 and 20 have been built with the centerstherebetween represented by dimensions A and B in the above table. Thesefour parts are the inner channels 12, the outer channels 19, the innertiles 11, and the edge tiles 17. Thus, the parts can be packaged forease of shipping and handling. Furthermore, the channels 12 and 19 areconveniently fabricated in four foot lengths for ease of shipping andhandling. In addition, as noted briefly above, the end pins on channels12 and 19 are spaced such that when two channels are placed inend-to-end relationship, the spacing M therebetween is the same as thespacing M between the closest spaced pins on the central portions of thechannels. In addition to the foregoing, there need be no specificorientation of the inner tiles 11 when they are being snapped intoposition, other than aligning their slots 43 with the pins 23 of thechannels because the four sides of each tile 11 are identical. However,the edge tiles 17 have to be oriented with their outer positioningmembers 40, which are adjacent ribs 41′, located at the extreme outeredge of the deck. If they are not oriented in this position, it will notbe possible to install them because the side edges 34 adjacent ribs 41will prevent the edge tiles 17 from entering the spaces between channels12 and 19.

[0054] A preferred inner channel 60 is shown in FIG. 11. Channel 60 isan extrusion which has holes 61 drilled in the opposite legs 62. Theseholes are spaced apart the same amount as pins 23 of inner channel 12(FIG. 4). In fact, the only difference between inner channel 12 of FIG.4 and inner channel 60 of FIG. 11 is that the latter has holes 61whereas the former has pins 23. Channel 60 is installed on inner joist13 (FIG. 12) by inserting nails 63 through holes 61. The nails 63 are ofslightly smaller diameter than holes 61. However, nails 63 have adiameter which is the same as the diameter of pins 23 so that they willbe received in slots 43 of side members 34 in the same manner describedabove relative to pins 23. The nails 63 function as pins when they arereceived in slots 43. When inner channels 60 are used, there is no needto attach channels 62 to joists 13 by the use of nails which passthrough the webs of the channels.

[0055] A preferred edge channel 64 is shown in FIG. 13. Edge channel 64is an extrusion which is identical in all respects to edge channel 19 ofFIG. 5 except that it only has holes 65 drilled in one side 67 thereof.Edge channel 64 is an extrusion. It is attached to edge joist 20 bydriving nails 63 through holes 65. The nails 63 protrude from side 67,as shown, to receive slots 43 in side members 34 as described aboverelative to edge channels 19 (FIG. 5A). As noted above, holes 65 aredrilled only into one leg 67.

[0056] In FIG. 15 the top surface of a tile 11 a is shown. Tile 11 a maybe identical in all respects to tile 11 described above except that ithas a wood grain finish 69 which has depth to both provide an anti-skidsurface and a decorative finish. In FIG. 16 a tile 11 b is shown whichhas a brick pattern finish 70 on its upper surface which is bothanti-skid and decorative. It will be appreciated that any suitabledesigns can be embossed into the upper surfaces of the tiles.

[0057] Railing posts 50 (FIGS. 1 and 10) can be installed in thefollowing manner. The portion of plate 31 having the dimension D at thecorner of the tile 17 is cut out to provide an opening 47 and the post50 is inserted therethrough. Thereafter, it is bolted into position bybolts 51 which pass through edge joists 20 and the lower portion of post50. Additionally, a shim 52 is located between the bottom end of thepost and joists 20. The thickness of this shim is equal to the combinedthicknesses of channel leg 19 and side member 34.

[0058] The above description has referred to the tiles 11 and 17 asbeing made of a resin. In this respect high density polyethylene ispreferred, but it will be appreciated that any other suitable resinincluding but not limited to polypropylene, polystyrene andpolyvinylchloride may be used.

[0059] In FIGS. 18-26 other embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed. These embodiments include an inner tile 55 (FIG. 18) which isanalogous to inner tile 11, and an edge tile 57 (FIG. 21) which isanalogous to edge tile 17. The embodiments also include an inner tile55′ (FIG. 26) which is a variation of inner tile 55. The tiles 55, 57and 55′ are fabricated of molded plastic, as are tiles 11 and 17. Whiletiles 55 and 57 have a slightly different rib structure than tiles 11and 17, respectively, the only major difference is that the inner tile55 has bores 59 at its four corners, and tile 57 has bores 60 at itsfour corners. The bores 59 in tile 55 are located in solid plasticblocks 58 which are integrally molded with the remainder of the tile.The bores 60 in tile 57 are located in solid plastic blocks 66 which aremolded integrally with the remainder of the tile. The blocks 58 are ofthe same depth as ribs 73, and blocks 66 are the same depth as ribs 79and 73′. Tile 55′ has bores 87 along its edge portions 89. The bores 87in tile 55′ are in plastic blocks 92 which extend between side membersor flanges 67 and 71 and they are of the same depth as ribs 73. Thebores 59, 60 and 87 are for receiving fasteners in the nature of screwsor nails 61 (FIG. 25) for fastening each individual inner tile 55 and55′ to joists 13 (FIGS. 1 and 24) and for fastening the edge tile 57between joists 13 and edge members 20 or 15, as also depicted in FIG. 1.

[0060] Each inner tile 55 includes a plate 62 (FIG. 19) having an uppersurface 63 and a lower surface 64. Upper surface 63 is convex orcrowned, as depicted by the dimensions 65 at the left of FIGS. 19 and20. A plurality of identical inner side members 67 are molded integrallywith and extend downwardly from lower surface 64 of plate 55. Centralribs 69 extend between opposite pairs of inner side members 67.Additionally, central portions of ribs 69 are molded to each other,wherever they cross each other, as at intersections 70, in addition tobeing molded at their outer ends with side members 67. The upper edgesof ribs 69 are molded integrally with the lower surface 64 of plate 62.Thus, ribs 69 rigidize both plate 62 and side members 67. Ribs 69 areanalogous to ribs 35 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 and they function inthe same manner.

[0061] Outer side members or outer flanges 71 extend downwardly from theouter edges of plate 62 and are molded integrally therewith. They arealso molded integrally with blocks 58 (FIG. 18) at corners 72. Outerside members 71 are all of the same height so that the tile 55 can beoriented in any position when installed on joists 13. Ribs 73 are moldedintegrally with the lower surface 64 of plate 62, and they are moldedintegrally with and extend between outer side members 71 and sidemembers 67 to thereby stabilize them. Inner flanges or inner sidemembers 67 have a greater vertical height than outer side members 71,and outer side members 71 rest on the tops of joists 13 when tiles 55are in their installed position. Also inner side members 67 abut thesides of joists 13, as shown in FIG. 25. Each inner side member 67 hasslots 74 which function in the same manner as slots 43 of the embodimentof FIGS. 1-9 when tiles 55 are used in conjunction with channels 12described relative to the previous embodiment or with nails extendingoutwardly from the joists. However, if desired, channels need not beused with tiles 55 because the tiles are fastened to the joists byscrews or nails which extend through apertures 59 at the cornersthereof.

[0062] Edge tiles 57 are analogous to edge tiles 17 of FIGS. 1-9. Edgetiles 57 have the same outer dimensions as inner tiles 55 except thatthe configuration of their ribs 75 and their inner side members 77 areslightly different. The slightly different structure of tile 57 includeslonger ribs 79 between two adjacent sides of the tile. Ribs 79 extendbetween inner side members or flanges 77 and outer side members orflanges 80. Ribs 79 are molded integrally with side members 77 and 80and with the lower surface 78 of plate 76. The ribs 73′ which extendbetween the other two pairs of adjacent inner and outer side members areof the same dimension as ribs 73 of FIGS. 18-20. Ribs 73′ are moldedintegrally with the lower surface 78 of plate 76 and with side members77 and 80. The dimensioning of ribs 79 and 73′ of FIGS. 21, 22 and 23permits positioning tiles 57 the outer edges of the deck to lie onlyslightly inwardly of the outer edges of the supporting members, therebyeliminating the necessity for trim on the outer edges of tiles 57. Thiswas fully explained relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, and isshown in FIG. 8.

[0063] The tiles 55 and 57 are analogous in all respects to tiles 11 and17, respectively, of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, except for the factthat tiles 55 and 57 have bores 59 and 60, respectively, in the cornerblocks 58 and 66, respectively, for securing them to the joists on whichthey are mounted. Enlarged bores 82 (FIG. 25) are located above bores 59of tile 55. Bores 82 receive plastic plugs 83 with an interference fit,and they conceal and protect screws 61. Tile 57 (FIGS. 21 and 23) alsohas enlarged bores 84 at all four corners above screw-receiving bores60. The inner side members 77 include slots 81 for mounting tiles 57 onchannels, such as 12, or on nails extending outwardly from joists 13, ifdesired. Slots 81 are identical to slots 43 of the embodiment of FIGS.1-9. However, the slots are not used if channels or outwardly extendingnails are not used, when only nails are used to secure the tiles to thejoists and edge-supporting members.

[0064] Inner tile 55′ (FIG. 26) is a variation of inner tile 55 (FIGS.18, 19, 24 and 25) in that the holes 87 for receiving screws or nailsare in the side edge portions 89 between inner side members or flanges67 and outer side members or flanges 71. Otherwise the structure of tile55′ is identical to the structure of tile 55 of FIG. 18 which wasdescribed above with the use of identical numerals, and such descriptionwill not be repeated here. Enlarged bores 90 are associated with bores87 for receiving plastic plugs, such as 83, with an interference fit toconceal and protect the screws or nails which are present in those holes87 which overlie the joists and for closing those holes 87 which do notoverlie the joists. As noted above, the bores 87 and 90 are located inplastic blocks 92 which are molded integrally with the inner and outerflanges 67 and 71 and the lower surface 96 of the top of the tile. Theplastic blocks 92 are of the same depth as ribs 73. An embodiment suchas 55′, by having holes 87 in all four side edge portions 89 can beoriented between the joists with either pair of the two opposite sideedge portions 89 overlying the joists. This permits patterns ofidentical adjacent tiles to be oriented perpendicularly to each other.However, it will be appreciated that the holes 87 and enlarged bores 90need be placed in only one pair of opposed side edge portions 89 so thatthe other pair of side edge portions 89 which lie between the joistswill not have holes 87 and two bores 90 therein. Also, it will beappreciated that while there are shown two holes 87 and bores 90 in theside edge portions 89, there may be more or less than two. However, thepreferred hole and bore location is as shown in FIGS. 18 and 21 wherethe holes and bores are at the corners. Also while FIG. 26 shows amodification of FIG. 18, it will be appreciated that an analogousmodification can be made of edge tile 57 of FIG. 21.

[0065] While the above description has been directed to a deck, it willbe appreciated that the floor system can be used for animal pens, docksurfaces and platforms for air conditioners and garbage cans.

[0066] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed, it will be appreciated that it is not limited thereto but maybe otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

Sequence Listing

[0067] Not Applicable

1. A resin tile comprising a plate having an upper surface and a lowersurface, a plurality of inner flanges extending downwardly from saidplate, a plurality of outer flanges extending downwardly from said plateoutwardly of said inner flanges, said outer flanges being of less heightthan said inner flanges, outer edge portions on said plate, andfastener-receiving bores in at least certain of said outer edgeportions.
 2. A resin tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plateincludes corners, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores are locatedproximate said corners of said plate.
 3. A resin tile as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said outer edge portions are between said inner andouter flanges.
 4. A resin tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidplate has two pairs of opposite outer edge portions, and wherein saidfastener-receiving bores are located in at least one pair of saidopposite outer edge portions.
 5. A resin tile as set forth in claim 4wherein said fastener-receiving bores are also located in the other ofsaid pairs of fastener-receiving bores.
 6. A resin tile as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said fastener-receiving bores are located in blocks. 7.A resin tile as set forth in claim 6 wherein said plate includescorners, and wherein said blocks are located proximate said corners ofsaid plate.
 8. A resin tile as set forth in claim 6 wherein said outeredge portions are between said inner and outer flanges, and wherein saidblocks are located between said inner and outer flanges.
 9. A resin tileas set forth in claim 6 wherein said plate has two pairs of oppositeouter edge portions, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores arelocated in at least one pair of said opposite outer edge portions.
 10. Aresin tile as set forth in claim 9 wherein said fastener-receiving boresare also located in the other of said pairs of fastener-receiving bores.11. A resin tile as set forth in claim 1 including enlarged boresoverlying said fastener-receiving bores, and plugs for fitting into saidenlarged bores.
 12. A resin tile as set forth in claim 11 wherein saidplate includes corners, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores andsaid enlarged bores are located at said corners of said plate.
 13. Aresin tile as set forth in claim 11 wherein said outer edge portions arebetween said inner an outer flanges.
 14. A resin tile as set forth inclaim 11 wherein said plate has two pairs of opposite outer edgeportions, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores are located in atleast one pair of said opposite outer edge portions.
 15. A resin tile asset forth in claim 14 wherein said fastener-receiving bores are alsolocated in the other of said pairs of fastener-receiving bores.
 16. Aresin tile as set forth in claim 1 wherein first ribs are moldedintegrally with said inner flanges and said lower surface, and whereinsecond ribs are molded integrally with said inner and outer flanges andsaid lower surface.
 17. A resin tile as set forth in claim 16 whereinsaid first ribs are also molded integrally with each other.
 18. A resintile as set forth in claim 16 wherein said inner flanges have loweredges, and slots extending inwardly into said inner flanges from saidlower edges.
 19. A tile assembly including a plurality of tiles as setforth in claim 1 including a plurality of channel members each havinglegs and a web with said legs being for positioning alongside said innerflanges, and said outer flanges for resting on said webs.
 20. A tileassembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said inner flanges have loweredges, slots extending inwardly into said inner flanges from said loweredges, and pins extending outwardly from said legs and received in saidslots.
 21. A tile assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said firstribs are molded integrally with said inner flanges and said lowersurface, and wherein said second ribs are molded integrally with saidinner and outer flanges and said lower surface.
 22. A tile assembly asset forth in claim 21 wherein said first ribs are also molded integrallywith each other.
 23. A flooring system comprising resin channels havingwebs and legs mounted on joists with said webs resting on the edges ofthe joists and said legs straddling the sides of the joists, a pluralityof adjacent resin tiles each including a plate, inner flanges extendingdownwardly from said plates and being located adjacent to said legs ofsaid channels, outer flanges located outwardly of said inner flanges andresting on said webs of said channels, outer edge portions on each ofsaid tiles, fastener-receiving bores in said outer edge portions whichoverlie said joists, and fasteners extending through saidfastener-receiving bores into said joists.
 24. A resin tile as set forthin claim 23 including enlarged bores overlying said fastener-receivingbores, and plugs for fitting into said enlarged bores.
 25. A resin tileas set forth in claim 24 wherein said plate has two pairs of oppositeouter edge portions, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores arelocated in at least one pair of said opposite outer edge portions.
 26. Aresin tile as set forth in claim 24 wherein said fastener-receivingbores are also located in the other of said pairs of fastener-receivingbores.
 27. A resin tile as set forth in claim 26 including enlargedbores overlying said fastener-receiving bores, and plugs for fittinginto said enlarged bores.
 28. A flooring system comprising a pluralityof spaced joists each having an edge and sides, a plurality of adjacentresin tiles each including a plate, inner flanges extending downwardlyfrom each of said plates and being located adjacent to said sides ofadjacent joists, outer flanges located outwardly of said inner flangesand resting on said edges of adjacent joists, outer edge portions oneach of said tiles overlying adjacent joists, fastener-receiving boresin said outer edge portions, and fasteners extending through saidfastener-receiving bores into said joists.
 29. A flooring system as setforth in claim 28 wherein said resin tiles have corners, and whereinsaid fastener-receiving bores are located at said corners.
 30. Aflooring system as set forth in claim 28 wherein said resin tiles havecorners, and wherein said fastener-receiving bores are located in saidouter edge portions remote from said corners.
 31. A resin tilecomprising a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, aplurality of inner flanges extending downwardly from said plate, aplurality of outer flanges extending downwardly from said plateoutwardly of said inner flanges, and said outer flanges being of lessheight than said inner flanges.